Director Of Policy, Global Strategy Lab, Canada

SUPERVISOR: Susan Rogers Van Katwyk, Managing Director, AMR Programs
DEPARTMENT: Global Antimicrobial Resistance
EMAIL: careers@globalstrategylab.org
APPLICATION DEADLINE: November 21, 2021 (extended to January 5, 2022)
CONTRACT LENGTH: 2 years with the possibility of extension

POSITION OVERVIEW

Help build a team at the forefront of global policy action on antimicrobial resistance.

The Problem

Drug-resistant infections are expected to threaten tens of millions of lives and pose major economic and development challenges over the next thirty years. Infections become drug-resistant when infection-causing microbes become resistant to antimicrobial drugs. Drug-resistance in microbes arises from the overuse of antimicrobial drugs in humans, agriculture, and the environment. This antimicrobial resistance (AMR) means that these essential antimicrobial drugs are less effective, making infections harder—and sometimes impossible—to treat.

Global projections suggest that AMR could derail the Sustainable Development Goals, driving an estimated 24 million people into extreme poverty and exacerbating global economic inequality. Coordinated national and global action is needed across human health, agriculture, and the environment to protect and sustain the effectiveness of antimicrobial drugs.

Thus far, however, there is little evidence or tailored insight as to what actions countries should pursue to prevent the spread of AMR, and the implementation of National Action Plans to reduce AMR has stalled in many countries. Governments lack the necessary support to explore the merits of different policy interventions that could safely reduce antimicrobial use in their context, such as legislation, taxation and economic incentives, public awareness campaigns, and regulation of professionals and businesses. As the threat continues to grow, it is increasingly important to have AMR policies and actions informed by the best available evidence and stakeholder insights.

The Organization

The Global Strategy Lab advises the world’s governments and organizations like the World Health Organization on how to design laws, policies and institutions that address transnational health threats and make the world a healthier place for everyone. In addition to being a world class research unit with a long track record of bridging the gap between research and global health action, we have a track record of using evidence to inform action.

Building on our research and policy leadership in the field of antimicrobial resistance, The Global Strategy Lab has received substantial start-up funding to build a new think tank focused on bridging the gap between research and AMR action.

The think tank will draw on the Global Strategy Lab’s existing research programs, but with a mandate to undertake rapid and applied projects that leverage global science and insights to respond to urgent global policy needs. This new mode of operation will further allow GSL to expand its policy impact.

The think tank will initially undertake three programs of work: 1) providing rapid advice to governments and civil society organizations in response to requests for evidence on antimicrobial resistance policy, implementation, and evaluation; 2) seeding actionable policy proposals from leading experts in the field and from related areas; and 3) building capacity to support policy development and research around the world.

The think tank will act as a new division of the Global Strategy Lab, one of Canada’s leading social science research labs. Our work focuses on three areas of public and global health research: global legal epidemiology, public health institutions, and global antimicrobial resistance. We are designated as the World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Global Governance of Antimicrobial Resistance, and the secretariat for both the International Network on AMR Social Science, and the Global Health Law Consortium.

SCOPE & RESPONSBILITIES

This is an exciting opportunity to deliver wider social impact on a global scale and to build a new initiative from the ground up. Reporting to the think tank’s Managing Director, the Director of Policy will build and lead our rapid advice and capacity-building programs.

This includes: building our knowledge database; developing a horizon scanning process; developing and pitching new project proposals; and leading our internship and fellowship programs.

The Director of Policy is an ideal position for someone with strong policy and communication skills who is keen to build up an impactful program of work that engages with policymakers to address their AMR policy needs.

The Director of Policy will have the opportunity to recruit their team of professional research and policy staff who have experience tackling challenging human, animal, or environmental health issues in low-and middle-income countries. Specifically, the Director of Policy will:

Strategy

Provide advice to the Managing Director and Scientific Director on the think tank launch, roadmaps, and strategic plan;

Contribute to short-term and long-term resourcing discussions and project prioritization discussions based on expected impact, risks, and opportunities;

Deliver on key project milestones including developing and executing strategies for recruitment, monitoring and evaluation, and knowledge mobilization;

Rapid Advice

Provide leadership to establish the rapid advice program and work with the Global Strategy Lab’s existing experts to build up the capacity to provide rapid advice on antimicrobial resistance challenges across One Health sectors in areas such as: evidence synthesis, policy options, equity, ethics, sex- and gender-based analysis, implementation, and evaluation;

Develop and pitch research and advisory projects to clients that will build the team’s profile and support our vision of achieving sustainable antimicrobial use for everyone;

Become an established expert on AMR policy and manage a small team of policy advisors to develop project plans, and provide methodological advice to ensure the rigorous analyses and evidence informed advice;

Oversee the planning, implementation, and staffing of projects to ensure timely delivery;

Capacity-building

Establish and launch a Capacity-building Program that aims to develop and promote AMR knowledge and policy analysis skills among early career policy leaders around the world;

Knowledge Mobilization

Develop strong working relationships with partners, stakeholders, and clients across key sectors related to the rapid advice and capacity-building program;

Lead the development of policy engagement and knowledge mobilization products including reports, scientific papers, and presentations; and,

Communicate the Team’s strategic outputs in interactions with clients and external stakeholders.

WHAT YOU BRING

We are looking to hire a creative leader who is enthusiastic about leading rigorous research to tackle big global health challenges and who has a track record of providing advice on multisectoral One Health challenges.

You should have experience in one of our core sectors (human, animal or environmental health) and be excited about leading an interdisciplinary team of policy advisors.

Education and Experience

A professional degree (e.g. MBA, MD, DVM, JD) or graduate degree (PhD preferred) in a relevant field (e.g. epidemiology, public health, political science, environment);

Significant experience leading a consulting team on large international projects;

Significant experience engaging, generating buy-in, and providing advice to senior leaders in government and global health institutions;

Experience working in low-or middle-income countries or resource-limited settings; and

Experience developing and costing proposals for consulting projects and responding to RFPs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes

Advanced knowledge of the global health landscape and policy challenges;

Critical thinking and analytical skills to develop creative strategies to solve difficult policy challenge in a diverse range of settings;

Excellent public speaking and presentation skills for representing the team at workshops and meetings;

Ability to challenge the status quo, ask tough questions, and make difficult decisions;

Strong client and relationship management skills;

High level of demonstrated leadership and strategic management skills – including management, leadership and coaching of multi-disciplinary teams;

High level of judgment, tact and diplomacy in interacting with a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders;

Project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects; and

Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

Desirable Experience (but not essential)

Experience in management consulting;

Advanced knowledge of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research designs; and

Expertise in a core One Health area related to antimicrobial resistance (human health, animal health, environmental health).

COMPENSATION AND TERM OF EMPLOYMENT

The Director of Policy will be working remotely until in-person activities resume at the Global Strategy Lab. Annual salary will range from CAD$102,000-$138,000, depending on the individual’s experience and education.

The Lab’s commitment to pay equity necessitates that we will not be able to offer a salary outside of the range provided. We also provide extended health care and dental benefits. The successful candidate is expected to work approximately 40 hours per week; occasionally this role will require travel and evening and weekend work. The language of work is English. There is one position available.

The Global Strategy Lab is based at York University and new team members will benefit from close ties to the Lab’s existing impact-driven research program and networks. We will be working remotely during COVID-19 and are open to flexible working arrangements in the future.

The Global Strategy Lab is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment that celebrates people in all their diversity and encourages a variety of perspectives. We recognize that different experiences and viewpoints are a source of strength in collaboration, and the driving force behind innovative, creative, equity-minded, and globally-oriented research.

HOW TO APPLY

Please email the following as pdf attachments to careers@globalstrategylab.org using the subject line DP-2021-01:

1. In a single pdf file titled LastName_FirstName, a CV and cover letter. The cover letter should highlight your experience leading a consulting team, engaging and providing advice to senior leaders in government and global health institutions, and leading and coaching multi-disciplinary teams;

2. A previous work sample highlighting your writing and research or policy skills. Ideal work samples could include: a report you’ve written, a policy brief, or an academic publication; and

3. A completed copy of the work status declaration form linked here.

Applications will be accepted and considered until January 5th, 2022. The candidates short-listed for an interview may be asked to complete a skills-based task as part of the interview process. We thank all applicants; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and indigenous peoples in Canada will be given priority.

The Global Strategy Lab welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process, please email careers@globalstrategylab.org.

Please do not contact the Global Strategy Lab by phone; send all inquiries to: careers@globalstrategylab.org.